Tim Farrell/The Star-LedgerCash Johnson, 17, during his first court appearance for the five Old Bridge teens charged with murder of South Asian-American professor Divyendu Sinha in June. He now faces house arrest after being caught by police drinking at a party.

MATAWAN — One of five Old Bridge teenagers awaiting trial for the fatal beating of a 49-year-old man now faces house arrest after being accused of drinking at a sweet 16 party.

"If you walk out of your house by yourself, to get a quart of milk or go to a sweet 16 party, you will be arrested," Superior Court Judge Bradley Ferencz told 17-year-old Cash Johnson in court today.

Johnson and four other teenagers were indicted last month for the June 25 beating of Divyendu Sinha as he was walking in front of his home on Fela Drive in Old Bridge with his wife and two sons.

Johnson was released on $300,000 bail and given a curfew.

In court today, Middlesex County Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Kuberiet said that Nov. 13, police in Matawan were investigating underage drinking at a sweet 16 party, and came across Johnson when he asked to leave.

Police determined through visual examination that Johnson was intoxicated and refused to let him drive, Kuberiet said. Johnson was allowed to call his home and his brother came for him after police gave Johnson a summons for underage drinking.

"It was only his poor judgment that required him to stay out past curfew," Kuberiet said when he asked Ferencz to revoke or increase Johnson's bail.